§2157 Release of Trade Secrets

Summary

Members of an Institutional Animal Committee must not share a research facility’s confidential information. That includes trade secrets, methods, operations, work style, equipment, or private financial and identity details like sources or amounts of income, profits, losses, expenditures, or confidential statistics. They also must not use that information for personal gain or tell it to other people. If someone breaks these rules they can be removed from the committee and face criminal penalties: up to $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail, or if the act was willful, up to $10,000 and up to three years in jail. Any person or facility harmed can sue to recover actual and consequential damages, court costs, and a reasonable attorney’s fee. Other legal rights or remedies remain available.